HILO, Hawai‘i - Western Washington made five of six free throws in the closing 33 seconds last night to complete an 80-79 comeback victory over the University of Hawai‘i-Hilo in a Pacific West Conference basketball game at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.
Hilo led twice by as many as 13 points, the last at 61-48 before becoming unraveled against the visiting Wildcats (11-1). UHH (5-7) lost its second conference start after a five-game winning streak.
Shelton Diggs, who had 22 of 26 game-high points in the second half, led the rally in the final 10 minutes of the game.
Hilo was plagued by second-half turnovers and suffered two blown dunk attempts that helped spell the difference.
Coach Jeff Law called the defeat disappointing and said the defense was poor down the stretch.
Scotty Prather led UHH with 23 points, but missed a key free throw with 25 seconds to play. Alan Thomas sank 17 and sophomore Kyle Bartholomew had 14.
Sophomore Mike Palm had 22 points and four rebounds for the Vulcans.
Hilo heads to Alaska for games next weekend at Anchorage and Fairbanks.
